Hispanic homeowners across the country are loading up their tool belts and taking on home more improvement projects than ever before. With the housing market still sputtering many of Latino families are looking for inexpensive ways to making their homes look and feel nicer.  There are many simple projects that won’t ‘break the bank’ but will make a surprising difference in improving a home’s aesthetic appeal.

The experts at Black & Decker offer Casa Latina readers some tips on how-to make four of the most common projects a little easier.

Rejuvenate Cabinets. Instead of replacing your kitchen cabinets, stain them for a fresh, new look.

• Wash cabinets with mild detergent. Let dry, then scrape off loose paint.
• Sand all surfaces. Try Black & Decker’s all-new Complete Sanding Kit with Smart Selectä Technology. Then wipe away sanding dust and prime all bare wood with sealer.
• Paint cabinet interiors back walls first, then tops, sides and bottoms. Paint bottoms, tops, and edges of shelves last.
• Paint both sides of doors, beginning with inner surfaces. With panel doors, paint in this order: 1) recessed panels, 2) horizontal rails, 3) vertical stiles.

Assemble Furniture Yourself. Adding even one new piece of furniture, like a bookshelf, can help transform a room. To help eliminate some of the frustration that can come with following assembly instructions, follow these tips:

• Set aside a work area that’s big enough for unpacking and maneuvering the preassembled pieces.
• Spread out all the furniture pieces and hardware. Compare what you have with what’s listed in the instruction manual. Make sure you have everything before you start.
• Be ready with the basic tools. Some furniture is simple enough that no tools are required, but more complex pieces will probably call for a hammer, screwdrivers, wrenches and maybe even a power drill.

Add a Chair Rail. It’s the perfect way to create a new look in any room without the pain of painting the entire space.

• To determine how high the chair rail should be, divide the height of the ceiling by three. The general rule is that the chair rail should be about 1/3 of the way up from the floor (between 32 and 36 inches for an 8-foot ceiling).
• Following a cutline with a saw can be difficult, especially in poorly lit work areas. One tool that can make the job easier is a jigsaw.
• Using a jigsaw can be tricky when you first start out. Practice on a piece of scrap wood to avoid costly mistakes on the actual project and get you acquainted with using the saw and what to expect.

Install New Blinds. New blinds can help change the look of a room in no time. They also add privacy and can be an added form of insulation in the cooler months.

• Take accurate measurements before you buy. Inside and outside mounted blinds are measured differently. You can find measuring guides online to help you get just the right fit.
• Open the package carefully. Don’t use a razor blade or knife to open the boxes because you could accidently cut a cord.
• Predrill pilot holes for screws to avoid splitting the work piece. Use a slower speed and moderate pressure. A steady and patient approach works best with wood, to avoid slipping and misaligning holes.
• Screwdriving in difficult to reach areas is made simple with the Black & Decker Cordless Lithium-Ion Screwdriver.

For more information and other DIY project guides and tools, please visit www.BlackandDecker.com.

 With New Year’s a few days away many of us are starting to think ‘resolutions’.  Losing weight, eating healthy and getting your home in order are often at the top of the list. But many of us drop our resolutions within weeks. Why? Sometimes it’s simply because we don’t have a plan that makes sense. If fixing up your home is a goal for 2012, but you have a long to-do list and a short budget, how do you know which projects should get done first?   You make a plan and prioritize. 

There may be plenty of noticeable repair needs, such as a scratched countertop or squeaky floors, but it’s the ones that aren’t so noticeable that most often require more immediate attention. 

Safety Issues. Keeping everyone safe is the highest priority. Make sure you have:

• Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Secure door and window locks
• Appropriate childproofing

Things to repair or replace immediately:

• Damaged electrical outlets
• Damaged stairs
• Broken boards in porches and decks
• Broken windows
• Asbestos or lead

Water Damage. Look for cracks in the foundation and brown spots on the ceiling and water stains around windows, doors, floors and cabinets. Call a professional to survey your home right away.

System-Wide Problems. Electrical, plumbing and heating/cooling systems are vital to keeping your home functioning and comfortable. Leaky pipes, faulty circuit breakers, ineffective air conditioners or heaters should be repaired by professionals as soon as possible.

Cosmetic repairs such as patching small holes or replacing molding are aesthetic projects that do make your home nicer. But when money is an issue and you have to prioritize, make sure you do the most important repairs first.

There’s Still Time!

If you’re like me, you wait until the last minute to do just about everything.  Admittedly, it’s not a great way to operate but I just can’t seem to break the pattern.  That’s why I’m always drawn to easy and unique ideas I can implement on a moment’s notice.          

This is for the other procrastinators who are, at this very moment, rushing around thinking, “What can I do to make my home look a little more festive for the Noche Buena celebration?”  To get that “¡Que Lindo!” compliment try these quick, easy and inexpensive ideas from our friends at Good Housekeeping:          

Simple DIY Décor Projects

Pinecone Vase

Pinecones have natural appeal, so show them off in clear vases or decorative bowls. We added a handful of ornaments for a bit of color, and tied a sheer ribbon around the center of the container.          

Image via Good Housekeeping

Surprising Spaces

Use ribbon to tie decorations in unexpected places, such as on the backs of chairs, on doorknobs, around vases, or on candlesticks.         

Image via Good Housekeeping

Natural Light

Nestle soft-color candles in a bed of mixed nuts and tiny red ornaments set on a tray for easy ambience. 

Image via Good Housekeeping

         

 For more last minute decorating ideas, click here.

Less than a year ago my brother purchased his first home.  At least once a week he calls asking me what mason, contractor, plumber or gardener he should hire. I tell him that he has to be as picky about selecting a contractor as he would be about selecting a babysitter for his niece or nephew.  This is especially true with contractors. 

How do I chose the right contractor for my needs?  This is a question I am frequently asked. So I did a little online research to find a website that could help people like my brother.  The one that intrigued me the most was FaceYourKitchen.com.  Out of all the sites, it is the most informative and people friendly. They answer your question without beating around the bush.  They understand that finding a dependable contractor is not an easy task and they guide you from beginning to end on the do’s and don’ts on hiring the best contract for your project. 

There are steps you can take to avoid becoming the victim of a deadbeat contractor. As interior designer Patricia Davis Brown explains, finding a dependable contractor takes work. The key to a smooth kitchen remodel is being educated, making design decisions ahead of time, and communicating effectively with your contractor. 

 Know What You Want

Consult FaceYourKitchen.com’s kitchen ideas, a design professional or magazines to figure out what layout and styles you want for your kitchen.  Ask the contractor to provide feedback.  This will reduce costly change orders and associated delays. 

Get Educated

Get multiple quotes to understand the time and money involved.  Check your contractor’s references and do online license checks. 

Agree On A Game Plan and Finalize All Details 

You should have everything in writing, including materials, costs, schedule, necessary permits, inspections, trash hauling and liability clauses. Don’t leave anything to chance. 

The truth is there is no hassle free renovation.  Discussing specifics and doing extra research on a contractor may seem time consuming but it will pay off in the long run. 

For more information about home design, kitchen renovations and upgrades, follow @FaceYourKitchen on Twitter or Facebook.

Professional photos are great, but this Holiday season many of our familias  are foregoing the photographer and DIY’ing it.  Why not give it a try and save?  With a little patience and some insights from family photographer Jennifer Charney, your homemade Holiday photos can look professional.

Eight Tips On Taking Your Best Holiday Photo Ever:

Don’t wait too long to take your pictures.  Avoid the last minute rush by taking your holiday pictures in the Fall when the days are longer and there’s more light. This also provides plenty of time to order, address, and mail the cards.  

Have fun.  Let your family interact naturally – You’re sure to get happy faces!  Bring your pet along if possible because it will give the family something to play with instead of just sitting still.  Try to move along quickly.  Recognize when the children have had enough and let them take a break, or maybe change locations and try again. 

Get in front of the camera.  It’s easy to take pictures of your own kids, but who is going to take a picture with you in it?  Find a friend who will exchange family picture-taking favors with you. Have them spend just a few minutes with your family and you can return the favor the next weekend.  Don’t forget to keep that camera going!  Taking pictures of several people together is much harder than taking a photo of just one or two people. Be Creative:  Family pictures don’t always have to be the same from year to year. 

Send only the highest quality cards.  Your photos will look better and your friends and family will enjoy them more.  MyPublisher’s new holiday card collection features professional-quality photo printing, the thickest cardstock and the highest quality envelope liners.  MyPublisher offers free envelope liners, free shipping and free return address printing on all holiday card orders

Pick the best time of day.   Early mornings and late afternoons are the best time for pictures because that is when the sunlight casts a warm glow.

Location, location, location:  The outdoors provides the perfect backdrop for holiday pictures.  If a more traditional look is preferred, head to an outdoor mall and use the decorations that are already in place there.

What to wear:  The key to a good family portrait is coordinating outfits, not matching outfits.

Let go of perfection:  Instead of pressuring kids to pose, sit back and let them be who they are. The resulting photos will be wonderfully natural and not forced looking.

For more information on how-to create your own Holiday pictures and albums, click here.

Solve Five Common Household Problems

Today, more mujeres are taking on household problems themselves instead of spending the money to hire a plumber, electrician or contractor.

Here are easy tips for solving five common household problems:

Unstick Sticky Windows

Rub wax or spraying silicone into the tracks on both sides. Move the window up and down several times to work the wax or silicone lubricant into the frame.

Fix Squeaky Wood or Tile Floors

Sprinkle baby powder on the surface of the floor. Then place a chisel between the boards and gently hammer the top to pry up the tile or floorboard. Sprinkle more baby powder underneath the board to seal the excess space causing the squeaking.

Slow Or Clogged Drains

Try a de-clogging gel. Liquid-Plumr’s new Penetrex Gel is a fast-acting, powerful formula that can clear the toughest clogs in just seven minutes.

Mend  holes or tears in your window screens

Use a screwdriver to straighten the bends in the mesh and dabbing clear nail polish to seal the hole.

Fix A Wobbly Table Leg

A wobbly table leg is easy to repair. Just figure out how it’s attached to the seat. Then either screw the leg back into its socket or glue it back into place.

In today’s challenging economy many of us do not have the necessary budget to tackle major home improvement projects.  However there is a more strategic and affordable approach to remodeling – refreshing rooms and undertaking small projects one at a time.  This new do-it-yourself (DIY) movement is growing rapidly, and goes beyond quick fixes and simple décor updates.  It actually involves a completely new mindset.  This concept is so relevant it has been identified it as a new home improvement trend:  “Remodel Lite.”

“In its essence, the Remodel Lite consumer is one who wishes to refresh a room with only a few items – and with a minimal investment,” said Jack Suvak, director of market research and insights, Moen.  “But at the same time, they still have the mindset of a remodeler – they want their home improvement project to make a significant impact on their home, in terms of both style and functionality.”

For homeowners seeking to incorporate the Remodel Lite approach into their next home improvement project, Moen’s Jack Suvak offers the following tips:

Begin to Dream Again

Just because you might be short on funds doesn’t mean you have to be short on inspiration.  In these trying times, it’s okay to continue to have pie-in-the-sky home improvement dreams… but also understand that even small projects and purchases can help you slowly inch toward your goals.  With just a few updates around the house, you can quickly move from survival to revival.

Accessorize

Take a page from the fashion industry and realize the power of accessorizing.  You can easily transform the look of any room with a few key pieces.  But in this economy, choose items that can multitask to make the most of your investment.  Examples include an ottoman that doubles as storage and/or seating, or a flip-top sofa table that can open up to be used as a buffet or desk. 

Style Statement

Don’t neglect your sense of style while you’re watching your budget.  You can simply dress up the basics with your personal style by adding a stunning statement piece.  And many times, you don’t even need a tool box to add a touch of style – try a new area rug, piece of inexpensive artwork or a collage of family portraits. Hispanics may be interested in adding pieces – decorative, functional or both – that celebrate their heritage and countries of origin.

The Everyday Touch

Rather than spend your hard-earned dollars on a vase or piece of artwork that you only use at the holidays; invest in items that you see and touch every day.   For Hispanic families, the kitchen is a focal point, used not just for cooking and eating, but also as a social gathering area.  To that effect, the perfect example is a kitchen faucet – it’s something you use multiple times every day, and can truly be the ideal finishing touch to a Remodel Lite kitchen project. 

When selecting a new kitchen faucet, look for a high-arc style with pulldown functionality.  Models, such as the Moen® Anabelle Eco-Performance faucet, feature this unique design – with the added benefit of up to 32 percent water savings.  Day-by-Day, One Step at a Time

Start Small

Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to tackle a number of projects at once. Rather, start with one primary project, even if complex, and turn it into smaller more manageable jobs.  Start with the rooms you and your family use most – typically, the kitchen, master bathroom and master bedroom.

Buying a fixer-upper and transforming it into your “dream home” may sound like a good idea, but it can be a stressful and expensive endeavor. You need to know what to expect and what it takes to “cross the finish line”.  It is not uncommon for couples to start out with the best of intentions only to find out that the project ended up outlasting their relationship.  Honestly, that’s how stressful it can get. 

So, before you get too attached to a fixer-upper that looks like a great investment, check out Credit Sesame’s little “Should You Buy a Fixer-Upper?” litmus test.  Then make an honest – and informed – decision.

Debt Management – CreditSesame.com

Yes, the end of summer is drawing near, but there’s still time to tackle a few remodeling projects before the hectic fall days begin. Kiplinger.com has assembled a list of 8 DIY Projects To Add Value to Your Home By Labor Day, 5 of which are listed below. Each costs less than $500, requires less than a day’s work, and will increase your home’s value.

Add a Backsplash

Estimated Price: $14 per 12-by-12-inch tile

The easiest way to add pizazz to your kitchen is with a new backsplash. You can go from country to modern in a snap with a variety of options for finishes and colors. To save money, time and frustration, consider the peel-and-stick tile options now available. The messier grout-and-tile approach will add $50 to $100 more in related supply costs but will appeal more to prospective buyers.

Install Vanity Cabinets & Toilets

Estimated Price: $200 (vanity), $250 (toilet)

Even relatively minor updates to your bathroom can produce a return on investment of 172%, according to HomeGain.com’s 2009 Prepare-to-Sell survey of 1,000 real estate agents nationwide. Because toilets fit neatly over existing plumbing, they’re surprisingly easy to install. Look for modern water-saving models that will both save on your water bills and appeal to energy-conscious buyers when it’s time to sell. If you’re feeling creative, save hundreds of dollars by using an old dresser as the foundation for a new vanity. Simply cut out room on the top to hold a basin sink and to connect pipes. 

Paint a Room

Estimated Price: $30 per paint can

It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint will do to immediately transform any room in your house. You’ll earn a 250% return on your investment in freshly painted interior walls, according to HomeGain.com’s survey. Just be sure to test colors — Home Depot sells 8-ounce sample cans of paint for $3 — before buying the full batch of paint needed for the room. Limit costly mistakes and spills by splurging on drop cloths and painter’s tape.

Install Crown Molding

Estimated Price: $5 per linear foot

Crown molding in your home compared with none in a similar home in your neighborhood could make a difference when it’s time to sell. You may not get the money back, but it’s a feature that most buyers appreciate when looking for a home. Fair warning: Installing crown molding might be the trickiest task on our list. There’s a lot of geometry involved — along with a nail gun and a miter saw. Follow the “measure thrice, cut once” rule to limit waste.

Replace the Front Door

Estimated Price: $150-$500 or more

As the first thing prospective buyers will see upon entering your home, a new front door will more than recoup your investment. Expect a fat 129% ROI on a steel door, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2009–10 “Cost vs. Value Report.” Bonus: Buy a qualifying energy-efficient door and reap a tax credit of 30% of your cost (up to a maximum of $1,500 in 2009 and 2010 combined).

View all 8 DIY projects in this slideshow click here.

The snow has melted and Spring is in full bloom. Now that we can see what’s underneath many of us realize there’s some serious work to be done around the house.

Spring is the time to begin working on home improvement projects. If you’re thinking about stocking up on supplies for your most pressing project, consider the ways you can save when you do-it-yourself:

1. Big Box Vs. Small Stores

For the frugal consumer, shopping smart is always a logical first step. When you’re shopping at the big-box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes, there are always deals going down.

The two heavyweight retailers are highly competitive and both stores offer price matching with an additional 10-percent discount on identical products advertised at a lower price at any competing store. Both stores also post weekly sales, discounts and rebates on their websites so you can be prepared before you hit the store. Not to mention, you can always find coupons for these home and garden giants.

On the other hand, locally owned home-supply stores, like Ace Hardware, often provide email sign-ups that allow you to receive special deals on the same items you would find at the big-box stores. While you may not be able to purchase sheet rock, the smaller places may carry everything from plumbing supplies to finishing notes for your home.

2. Tester Cans and Used Paint

Next to buying a nice area rug, painting is probably the easiest way to change the look of a room. Unfortunately, home improvement stores are aware of this and they like to make you pay for it. There are definitely ways to get around the high prices though.

If you only have a small space to paint, there’s no need to invest in a whole gallon of paint that’ll inevitably take up space in the garage or closet. Ask about small tester cans that can often be found for $5 or less in a variety of colors.

The word is starting to get out on used paint, too. When people order large amounts of custom paint, they often order too much. This paint gets returned to the stores, but the merchant can’t put such cans back on the shelf with the rest of the paint. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you might be able to get gallons of paint for around $5. Not all stores will have used paint, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

3. Buy Lumber in Bulk

Working with lumber can be intimidating. It requires precise measurements and cuts, or you’ll end up wasting money and materials. Prices vary by lumber grade and wood type, so be aware of what materials are required to get the job done.

4. Caulk Singles

Caulk certainly won’t be the most expensive item on your home improvement list, but it’s useful for patching up holes and sealing cracks. Often when people buy a tube of caulk for a small project, they end up making a mess of it and throwing half the tube away.

If you want to keep some caulk around for projects that spring up, try out some caulk singles from General Electric. Much like the fast food ketchup packet, they’re enough for one project and cut back on waste and mess. Watch for coupons to home centers like the Home Depot that offer General Electric’s caulk singles.

5. Generic Vs. Name Brand

There’s an incredible variety of nails and screws available, but how much of a difference is there really? Generic brand nails and screws are often up to par with the name brands, but cost significantly less. In some cases, the only difference between a generic and the brand name is the box!

The same can be said for pipes and plumbing fixtures. Unpackaged fixtures in a bulk bin can have the same quality as their packaged counterparts on the shelf, but cost much less. Longevity is also something to consider when working on a plumbing project. Copper pipes and PVC pipes typically give you the most bang for your buck, lasting up to 60 years.

6. Government Rebates

Now that warm weather is finally on the way, you can replace your old windows and doors with more energy efficient ones. While it’s a big project, it may be worth it when you save on heating costs next winter.

In an effort to reduce energy consumption, the federal government is continuing to offer tax credits when you install Energy Star certified windows, doors and skylights. The credits aren’t as generous as last year, but you can still get 10 percent-off for $200 worth of windows and skylights and a rebate of up to $500 for doors.

7. Used Hand Tools

The garage sale may still be king for finding good deals on hand tools. Many people don’t enjoy inherited tools and are willing to part with them for next to nothing, compared to new tools. Wrench sets, hammers and screwdrivers made by quality toolmakers like Craftsman and Stanley can stand the test of time and are as good today as they were 30 years ago.

8. Buy Reconditioned or Rent Power Tools

It’s hard to justify buying an expensive power tool, especially when you know you’ll never use it again. If you live the DIY credo, Home Depot rents such power tools as power washers, paint sprayers, chainsaws and buff sander. By renting, you’ll get the professional finish you want without having to cut corners on expensive equipment.

Many power tool manufacturers have online outlets where they sell reconditioned tools at a discount. These tools are certified by the manufacturer, so you have a guarantee they’ll work. You can save even more when you use a Bosch Outlet coupon or a Bostitch Outlet free shipping code for discount power tools.

9. Working Together

No one escapes a little home maintenance from time to time. If you and a neighbors are working on similar projects, sharing the cost of renting a wood chipper or cement mixer can save both of you time and money.

While skilled friends and family don’t necessarily enjoy manual labor, they can be coaxed into it with the promise of good food, drink or a labor exchange to be named later. Working with friends gets the job done faster and is usually much more fun.